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Packers Daily Links: Green Bay Issues iPad Playbooks to Players

The Green Bay Packers are using the latest trend in technology to help their players learn, according to an article from Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com. "Yes, the NFL’s most storied franchise is among the first to dive headfirst into the brave new world of technology, issuing iPads to their players this year instead of bulky playbooks in binders, and uploading film to the Apple tablets remotely rather than having players take DVDs home with them or making them stay at Lambeau Field until the wee hours watching film in a dark meeting room," writes Wilde. Wilde provides an in-depth look into the extent of information at the fingertips of the players, how all the information is kept secure, and how less technologically-savvy people like defensive coordinator Dom Capers are adjusting to a computerized world.

A date has been set for June 18 for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to hear the appeal of Packers defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove who was originally suspended eight games as part of the New Orleans Saints' bounty program. "The players' appeals could result in reduced or modified suspensions," writes Sam Wyche of NFL.com. "The NFL, however, has been steadfast in support of its evidence against the players, who were punished in large part for leadership roles in the bounty program." I have no feeling as to whether Hargrove's suspension could be lifted or reduced, especially now that Goodell has to show evidence of Hargrove's participation in the bounty program.

The depth of the running back position in Green Bay––or lack thereof––is covered in an article by Paul Imig of Fox Sports Wisconsin. "Green Bay will go with a young trio led by James Starks, with (Alex) Green — who's still recovering from a season-ending torn ACL — and 2011 practice-squad call-up Brandon Saine powering the running game for last season's No. 3 offense," writes Imig. That's a mighty inexperienced group the Packers will enter the season with. The Packers also have a pair of undrafted rookies, but one injury could send them looking for reinforcements.

Free agent defensive endPhillip Merling is the focus of an article by Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette who details the events that preceded Merling's signing as a free agent. "The Packers were the only team he visited, although he said he had interest from other teams but declined to name them," writes Demovsky. "Listed at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, Merling was overweight when he worked out for the Packers, but they signed him anyway. He joined a crowded defensive line group and will have a tough battle to make the roster." One factor that's working in Merling's favor is the suspensions to Anthony Hargrove and Mike Neal, if they're upheld.

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"I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious."